The Canadian Liberal government has announced it will invest $2.4 billion from its upcoming budget in the nation’s AI sector across research, business development and ensuring responsible AI adoption.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the spending commitment in Montreal on Sunday during a pre-budget tour.
The measures include investing $2 billion to build and provide access to computing capabilities and technological infrastructure for Canada’s AI researchers and businesses.
The government will consult with AI stakeholders ahead of the launch of a new AI Computer Access Fund which will provide support to researchers and the industry, it said.
It also plans to develop a new Canadian AI Sovereign Compute Strategy to support the development of Canadian-owned and located AI infrastructure.
Funds will be used to support AI start-ups to bring new technologies to market in critical sectors such as agriculture, clean technology, healthcare and manufacturing, with $200 million allocated to Canada’s Regional Development Agencies.
$100 million will be invested in the NRC IRAP AI Assist Program to help small and medium-sized businesses increase productivity with AI solutions, $50 million will be allocated to the Sectoral Workforce Solutions to provide skills training for workers in potentially disrupted sectors such as creative industries, and $50 million will be used to create a new Canadian AI Safety Institute which will aim to protect against the risks of advanced or nefarious AI systems.
Further, $5.1 million will be allocated to the Office of the AI and Data Commissioner to strengthen enforcement of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act.
“These investments in Budget 2024 will help harness the full potential of AI so Canadians, and especially young Canadians, can get good-paying jobs while raising our productivity, and growing our economy,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.
“This announcement is a major investment in our future, in the future of workers, in making sure that every industry, and every generation, has the tools to succeed and prosper in the economy of tomorrow.”
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland added: “This will keep Canada a global leader in AI and ensure we are at the very cutting-edge of new technologies. And most importantly, this will mean more high-paying careers for Canadians who are leading the charge in AI.”